Lobby backs war on illicit drinks

An association of alcohol and beverage producers has supported a recent Government crackdown on tax cheats and illicit brews.

The Alcohol Beverages Association of Kenya (Abak) said that although it was aware of ongoing investigations involving one of its members - Africa Spirits - it did not condone any “unethical” behaviour.

“It is our policy to conduct our businesses in an honest and ethical manner,” said Abak Chairman Gordon Mutugi, adding that the association’s value statement governed all members affiliated to it.

“On the outset, we would like to state that Abak has been at the forefront of the campaign to streamline tax collection among its members and eradicate the illegal liquor trade,” he said.

“It will be remembered that when the Government announced a crackdown on illegal alcohol in 2015, we were at the forefront of the campaign, supporting law-enforcement agencies in driving out unscrupulous traders who, besides endangering people’s lives, have been denying the exchequer, and therefore Kenyans, billions of shillings in taxes.”

Mr Mutugi said Abak supported the rollout of the Electronic Goods Management System as one of the fool-proof ways of identifying and curbing illicit and counterfeit alcohol.

Further, he said, the association viewed the allegations seriously and would, where needed, cooperate with the authorities in their investigations.

“Abak would also like to proactively engage the Government agencies and invite them for visits in respective premises to facilitate investigations,” added the chairman.

However, Mutugi said the Government should expand its focus to other parties.